Inbye is starting a prototype installation of the Tiefenbach electro-hydraulic roof support control system to one of the powered roof supports at the mine.

“The most important feature of this future-ready technology is that it achieves higher levels of SIL [safety integrity level to AS 61508] rating than competitors' systems,” Inbye said.

Once the trial layout is approved by the mine, the new controls will be installed on the 181 chocks at Newlands Northern in a five-stage, year-long process.

“The end outcome is to integrate all these controls into a complete longwall system,” Inbye said.

“The customised Tiefenbach control kits will be installed progressively on the Newlands roof supports in batches of 35 to 45 roof supports. This process will be staged in a way to minimise interruptions to the Newlands coal production.

“These underground longwall automation initiatives are prompted by cost pressure in mining and the need to gain operating advantages by installing future-proof technologies.

“The use of Tiefenbach Control Systems was an ideal choice as the German-based Tiefenbach is the world leader in the development and supply of innovative control technology for use in hazardous area underground mining operations.”

Inbye is customising the German automation technology to not only meet the mine’s requirements, but also to increase equipment longevity and operating efficiency.

"The automation of the Newlands longwall system cements Inbye's prominent position in the repair and overhaul of longwall equipment and as a supplier of automation control hardware and software systems,” Inbye managing director Richard Eveleigh said.

Newlands Northern was the second-most productive Australian longwall mine in the 2009-10 financial year, with output of 8.87 million tonnes run-of-mine.

Some of the roof supports have been in place at the mine since 1998 and the Tiefenbach roof control system meets SIL 2 standards.

Inbye was notified it had won the contract to install the Tiefenbach system in November.

Inbye is allied with Polish roof support manufacturer Tagor SA and the Nepean engineering group, which both supplied longwall equipment for Vale’s Carborough Downs mine.

The Oaky Creek and Broadmeadow mines also contract Inbye for overhaul and repair services for a variety of longwall equipment.